Ok, I swam in the Pro's and have a question

[Ladyvalea]

Ok, I purchase a pair of used force fin Pro's ...they really look new! I have a size L and I wear a women's 8 1/2 shoe. So I tried the Pros at my local LA fitness pool with my scuba booties and they seem to fit? the only thing is the top of my left foot hurts with the pressure from the fin? "only a little" plus, I swim a lot better, but I'm wondering if I should have gotten the orginals? because I have weak legs right now.
How much difference is the kick energy needed in the orginals and Pros???

So did I do the right thing with the Pros? or do I need the orginals with the easier snap back??? does this make sense?
and should I get the insteps for paddin on the top of my foot or will it make the fins to tight for my bootie? Thanks.

 

[Ladyvalea]

oh, I forgot...maybe my kickin style was weird with these pros...I think I may have been doing giant sissor kicks??? cuz my ankle also hurt just a bit...maybe I should be trying small little kicks? help!!! "oh, I also forgot to mention...I'm practicing in a pool at the fitness club while underwater....but I can only hold my breath for a couple seconds so I don't know if I'm giving the fins the real test ..."swimmin in a 4 foot pool" on the bottom for a couple feet at a time..before I need to breath!!! tee-hee

 

[Blair Mott]

Ok, I purchase a pair of used force fin Pro's ...they really look new! I have a size L and I wear a women's 8 1/2 shoe. So I tried the Pros at my local LA fitness pool with my scuba booties and they seem to fit? the only thing is the top of my left foot hurts with the pressure from the fin? "only a little" plus, I swim a lot better, but I'm wondering if I should have gotten the orginals? because I have weak legs right now.
How much difference is the kick energy needed in the orginals and Pros???

So did I do the right thing with the Pros? or do I need the orginals with the easier snap back??? does this make sense?
and should I get the insteps for paddin on the top of my foot or will it make the fins to tight for my bootie? Thanks.

Thanks for sharing!

Since you have the fins now you might try a comfort instep and it might help you out since you are having a bit of discomfort. It sounds like you are getting back into it so give it time, but you really should never be in pain!

The originals are a little better for swimming at the surface than the Pros, but again I say it sounds like you are "Getting back into it" so give it a few more times and your comfort should increase.

If you are just kicking at the surface concentrate on the down stroke ( power stroke) and let the fin do the work. It is almost as you can not feel the fins compared to other fins - so if you have ever used other fins - Force Fins will feel like they are not on your feet and that in itself can take a few times to get used to as far as your kicking style. It is almost your "feeling style" more than anything. Most people who have never used Force Fins tell me "It felt as though I never had any fins on" then they go into other aspects on performance etc!
Keep us posted on your results

 

[meesier42]

it sounds like they probably fit you ok, give them a chance. The hotspot on your foot, for me this normally means that I have the straps too tight, remember with these fins you don't need the straps, so just tight enough to keep them from falling off in the turns is all you need. for swimming in the pool a set of comfort insteps will probably be better than booties, as they don't have all the positive buoyancy and will be nice and soft for your barefoot.
The Pros should be fine for you, once you get back into it a little more you will appreciate the improved performance and will definately appreciate it once your on scuba and not pumping your legs as much.

As for training in them. I would recommend that instead of trying to swim underwater for only a couple of seconds, that you flip over and swim on your back, this will help keep the fins underwater and let you breathe the entire time, this position also provides you a visual feedback on how well you are moving. Alternately you can swim on your side (what I often do) with one arm outstretched and the other at your side, this will also allow you to tilt your head and breathe without interupting your kick pattern. As for your form, I think that in a couple more practice sessions you'll have it figured out, everyone does it a little differently.

 

[Underwater Ogre]

Welcome to the "darkside" Ladyvalea.

Good luck and have fun,
O